Jimmy Fallon 'very sorry' after 2000 SNL blackface sketch resurfaces

Chat show host Jimmy Fallon has apologised for wearing blackface in a Saturday Night Live skit from 2000.

This week, the Tonight Show host came under fire online after footage of a 2000 SNL skit featuring him in blackface while impersonating fellow comedian SNL alum Chris Rock resurfaced.

The backlash led to some people calling for Fallon to be "canceled" as #JimmyFallonIsOverParty trended on Twitter while others insisted on a public apology and acknowledgement of his actions.

While some debated whether it was fair to criticize Fallon in comparison to other stars who had acted similarly in past roles, the comedian ultimately addressed the situation publicly on Tuesday.

"In 2000, while on SNL, I made a terrible decision to do an impersonation of Chris Rock while in blackface. There is no excuse for this," Fallon tweeted.

"I am very sorry for making this unquestionably offensive decision and thank all of you for holding me accountable."

Fallon appeared on SNL from 1998 until 2004, when he left the show to pursue a movie career.

A number of fellow actors have come out in support of the 45-year-old following the backlash, with Jamie Foxx writing on Instagram.

"He was doing an impression of Chris Rock. It wasn't black face," The Oscar winner wrote. "We comedian I know it's a tough time right now. But this one is a stretch."

Fox continued: "On a show called in living color we played every race."

"Let this one go," he concluded. "We got bigger fish to fry ... #changecourse."